52.236-6
Superintendence by the Contractor
Contractors must provide continuous, competent supervision on-site, with a superintendent approved by the Contracting Officer and authorized to act on the contractor's behalf.
Overview
FAR 52.236-6 requires that, throughout the duration of contract performance and until final acceptance, the contractor must provide direct supervision of the work. This can be done either by the contractor personally or by assigning a competent superintendent to the worksite. The superintendent must be approved by the Contracting Officer and must have the authority to act on behalf of the contractor. This clause ensures that there is always a responsible and authorized individual present to oversee the work and address any issues that arise during contract execution.
Key Rules
- Continuous Superintendence
- The contractor must ensure that the work is directly supervised at all times during contract performance and until completion and acceptance.
- Competent Superintendent Requirement
- If the contractor does not personally supervise, a competent superintendent must be assigned to the worksite.
- Approval and Authority
- The superintendent must be satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and have full authority to act for the contractor.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must approve the superintendent and ensure they are competent and authorized.
- Contractors: Must provide continuous, competent supervision and ensure the superintendent has the necessary authority.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and address any issues related to superintendence.
Practical Implications
- This clause exists to ensure effective oversight and communication during contract performance, reducing risks of mismanagement or delays.
- Contractors must carefully select and empower their superintendent, as failure to comply can result in contract issues or delays.
- Common pitfalls include assigning an unqualified superintendent or failing to maintain continuous supervision.